Clemson Football: Five offensive players who could have breakout seasons

Will Putnam

Will Putnam was a 4-star recruit, one of the highest rated offensive line recruits at that time. With high ratings come high expectations. Putnam was called on early in his career to contribute as a starter, but he’s had some struggles at the guard position. He has also dealt with injuries.

Simultaneously, Clemson has struggled for the past two seasons with the center position. Cade Stewart was easy to root for, but Clemson clearly needed to upgrade at the position in 2021. It was hoped that Hunter Rayburn could fill that void, but as we know now, he was suffering from back problems that would eventually lead to Rayburn’s retirement this past summer.

If someone had told me this past January that Clemson would solve two problems – Putnam’s struggles at guard and Clemson’s struggles at center – with one player making a position change, I’d have given you an eye roll and laughed.

Based on what we’re hearing in camp, it sounds like the joke might be on me. The staff has communicated that Putnam has been solid at center. He has been added to the Remington Trophy watchlist for the best center of the 2022 season. The biggest story of the 2022 Fall Camp has been the offensive’s lines search for his replacement at right guard.

Beyond reinforcements by the staff of Putnam’s efficiency when asked about center, discussion of the position has been low key & quiet. You know what they say about offensive lineman: the less you hear their name, the better they are performing.

If we hear very little of Putnam’s name this season, it will be a breakout season for him.